Anda
Despite the cost of living crisis, proposal packages are increasingly popular in the UK, with the average proposer spending £3,000 just to pop the question. Holding off on the flowers and fireworks and spending your pennies on a destination proposal is guaranteed to be more magnificent and memorable if you do your holiday proposal right.
Holiday Proposal in 5 Steps
Discover how to plan a holiday proposal that goes beyond their wildest dreams and is truly special for you and your partner.
1. Personalise your destination
Choosing a romantic holiday destination isn’t difficult. In Europe alone, you’ve got Paris, widely known as the City of Love, and three Italian cities hot on its heels vying for the top spot. Beyond the continent, there’s a wealth of diverse destinations sure to ignite the spark, from India’s regal state of Rajasthan to the dazzling lights and cultural attractions of New York.
The way to make it extra-special is to personalise your choice, considering places that are particularly significant to your partner or you as a couple, or that will spark a shared interest. For example, you could head off the beaten track on a mountain biking adventure or an awe-inspiring multi-day hiking trail. If you’ll feel most euphoric somewhere other than a busy city, follow your gut.
2. Bring the engagement ring
You don’t have to have a ring when you get down on one knee – and choosing it together afterwards certainly takes the pressure off nailing the size and style – but it will upgrade the moment.
There’s lots of advice online about how to discover your partner’s dream ring and identify the right size for an exact fit, and your local jeweller will be able to help. You’ve got the option of selecting a second-hand engagement ring, buying a brand-new one, or creating a unique design. If you’re worried about carrying it with you, consider taking a proposal ring – a less valuable piece hired from your local jeweller that acts as a placeholder and can be swapped upon your return. It’s advisable to insure your ring to protect your investment, just in case!
3. Establish intimacy when proposing
Creating an idyllic setting on your home turf is relatively easy. You know where to go for peace and quiet and the best eateries for a celebration meal. Planning a proposal in an unknown location is more problematic, and in popular spots, you face the challenge of crowds and obstacles like off-season closures.
Small decisions will enable you to establish intimacy, whatever the setting. Use an app to find out the timings of sunrise and sunset – and high tide, if you’re aiming for a beach proposal – and make this the foundation of your plans. Find out in advance how freely you can wander at your chosen site, and whether you can take in a picnic to mark the moment. Conducting careful research means you can be sure the moment will be special, no matter what you’re faced with.
4. Build a backup plan
Expect the moment to be derailed and work backwards from there, rather than assuming everything will go smoothly. Anything from public transport to the weather could let you down, and there’s no way to prepare for the elements you cannot control. Knowing your contingency plan will help you stay calm whatever happens, so your partner won’t twig that anything has gone awry.
5. Follow up with finishing touches
Bear in mind that this proposal is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and worthy of being honoured as such with wow-factor flourishes. That doesn’t necessarily mean paying an arm and a leg for fancy arrangements – luxury looks different to everyone, and your partner might appreciate nothing more than the chance for some uninterrupted time together.
Consider hiring a photographer to mark the moment with some secret shots you can share with family and use in wedding invites. Request an upgrade at your accommodation, even just for the night, or plan a surprise meal at a highly-rated local restaurant serving food they love. Keep a day free and delegate to your partner, so they can spend it just as they wish. Sometimes the smallest gestures are most significant.